Concerns Over Agriculture Education in Punjab: A Threat to Future of the Subject

Strategic Insights -

A wave of concern is sweeping among agriculturists in Punjab, as the number of qualified teachers for the subject in state schools continues to dwindle. The agriculture aspirants fear that the lack of proper teaching resources could severely impact the future of the subject. According to data, only 66 regular master cadre teachers are currently available across Punjab to teach agriculture, a sharp decline from the 122 teachers available in 2019.

Key Takeaways:

  • The number of qualified teachers for agriculture in Punjab state schools has declined from 122 in 2019 to 66 in the current year.
  • The state has only 133 vocational trainers assigned to teach agriculture under the National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF).
  • Despite repeated appeals, the government has not taken concrete action to address the shortage of agriculture teachers.
  • The subject of agriculture is offered as an optional subject from Classes 6 to 10 and is treated as a vocational trade under NSQF.
  • Over 1.33 lakh Class 8 students took the agriculture subject in total, while 2,488 students appeared for the agriculture exam under NSQF.
  • Agriculture is a primary sector, and the subject deserves to be made compulsory in government schools.
  • Instructors from unrelated subjects are being assigned to teach agriculture due to the shortage of trained teachers, affecting the quality of education.
  • The government is working on expanding recruitment under NSQF and considering the release of posts for regular agriculture teachers.

Statistics:

  • 66 regular master cadre teachers are currently available in Punjab to teach agriculture.
  • 122 teachers were available in 2019 to teach agriculture.
  • 133 vocational trainers are assigned to teach agriculture under NSQF.
  • 2,488 students appeared for the agriculture exam under NSQF.
  • 1.33 lakh Class 8 students took the agriculture subject in total.

Sources:

  • RTI reply submitted by Arundeep Singh.
  • Data released by the Punjab School Education Board in March.
  • Interview with Angrej Maan, state president of the Agriculture Students Association.
  • Interview with Gurinder Chhabra, an agriculture teacher in Ludhiana.
  • Interview with Akashdeep, an agriculture graduate from Punjab Agricultural University.
  • Hindustan Times article, "Concerns over agriculture education in Punjab: A threat to future of the subject," June 16.